Short-term Intervention Research Articles

Comparison of acute and prolonged effects of short-term foam rolling and vibration foam rolling on the properties of knee extensors.

Recently, Foam Rolling (FR) and Vibration Foam Rolling (VFR) have attracted attention in sports and rehabilitation fields. Previous studies have shown that FR and VFR acute interventions effectively increase the range of movement (ROM) and decrease tissue hardness. For application to sports and rehabilitation, it is necessary to compare the acute and prolonged effects of short duration FR and VFR. Therefore, this study aimed to compare and investigate the acute and prolonged (15 minutes) effects of short duration (30-s) FR and VFR interventions on knee extensors. The subjects were 14 male university students (22.4 ± 1.0 years old), in which the knee extensors of the dominant leg were tested. In a cross-over trial, 30-s of FR or VFR were performed with 2-s rolling of the anterior thigh (15 rolls). The frequency of VFR was 35 Hz. Measurements included knee flexion ROM, pain pressure threshold (PPT), tissue hardness, and countermovement jump height. The results of this study showed no interaction effects for all variables, but main time effects were observed for knee flexion ROM, PPT, and tissue hardness. Post-hoc tests showed that knee flexion ROM increased up to 10 minutes after the intervention. PPT significantly increased, and tissue hardness significantly decreased up to 15 minutes after intervention. This study showed that 30-s FR and VFR interventions effectively increased ROM, PPT, and decreased tissue hardness. The effects were prolonged up to 10-15 minutes after the intervention. The results of this study show no advantage of VFR over FR with acute short-term interventions.

Reducing work interruptions and work-related interruptions of employees' leisure time through job analysis and leadership coaching.

The study tested a brief intervention to stimulate and help supervisors reduce work-related interruptions among their employees, both at work and during leisure time. The core of the short-term intervention was a workplace analysis of work-related interruptions, which was fed back to supervisors in combination with a work redesign stimulation explaining why and how to reduce interruptions. Two intervention sessions, as one-on-one physical meetings, that lasted 1.5 h each and were 2 wk apart. The sample consisted of 20 managers and 89 employees. The non-experimental repeated measurement design comprised three questionnaire measurements of the 89 employees (two pre-measurements and one post-measurement). Repeated measure hierarchical linear models showed that the intervention significantly predicted reduced interruptions during work and work-related interruptions of leisure time. Although the intervention effect sizes were small, the current work design intervention with supervisors as mediating actors can reasonably contribute to occupational health prevention.

Non-opioid psychiatric medications for chronic pain: systematic review and meta-analysis.

The escalating number of deaths related to opioid usage has intensified the pursuit of non-opioid alternatives for managing chronic pain. It's often observed that psychiatric comorbidities coexist in patients suffering from chronic pain. There are a variety of psychotropic medications that have demonstrated effectiveness in treating both psychiatric symptoms and pain. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to assess the effectiveness of various psychiatric drugs in managing specific types of chronic pain, including fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, and chronic low back pain. A comprehensive search of five major databases was conducted through February 2023 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that met our inclusion criteria, focusing on outpatients Over 18 years of age with chronic pain. The study assessed the effectiveness of duloxetine, mirogabalin, pregabalin, gabapentin, and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), including serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), across various chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, and chronic low back pain. The primary outcome measures included pain reduction, improvement in function, and quality of life. Of the 29 RCTs in the systematic review, 20 studies qualified for the meta-analysis. The analysis was stratified by pain type and treatment duration (short-term ≤14 weeks vs. long-term >14 weeks), using Hedge's g standardized mean differences and a random-effects model, along with sensitivity and subgroup analyses. The overall short-term intervention effect across all studies was significant (SMD -1.45, 95% CI -2.15 to -0.75, p < 0.001), with considerable heterogeneity (I2 = 99%). For fibromyalgia, both duloxetine and mirogabalin demonstrated substantial efficacy with SMDs of -2.42 (95% CI -3.67 to -1.18, p < 0.0001) and -2.10 (95% CI -3.28 to -0.92, p = 0.0005), respectively. Conversely, treatments for neuropathic pain and chronic low back pain, including those with amitriptyline and desipramine, did not show significant benefits. The effectiveness of gabapentin could not be conclusively determined due to limited representation in the data. Additionally, no consistent long-term benefits were observed for any of the medications. While the results of this study underscore the importance of exploring non-opioid alternatives for chronic pain management, particularly in light of the opioid crisis, it is crucial to interpret the findings carefully. Our analysis suggests that certain psychiatric medications, such Duloxetine and mirogabalin demonstrated significant short-term efficacy in fibromyalgia patients. However, their effectiveness in treating neuropathic pain and chronic low back pain was not statistically significant. Additionally, the effectiveness of gabapentin and other medications, such as pregabalin for neuropathic pain, could not be conclusively determined due to limited data and high study heterogeneity. No consistent long-term benefits were observed for any of the drugs studied, raising questions about their sustained efficacy in chronic pain management. These findings highlight the need for further research to understand better the role of psychiatric medications in managing specific chronic pain conditions without prematurely concluding that they are ineffective or unsuitable for these purposes.

Healing attitudes in contagious times: the experience of practising psychotherapy in China during the pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic is a challenge for any human being. Realising this simple psychological fact, the China Society for Analytical Psychology launched a "Garden of Heart &amp; Soul 2020" volunteer campaign, providing psychological care to those in need whether or not they had had previous experience with counselling or psychotherapy. This article describes principles and practice of Jungian analysts, analysts in training, sandplay therapists, and other practitioners in China seeking to apply Jungian analytic techniques with regard to exposing and working through psychological complexes to the problems that have emerged for people facing the epidemic. Emphasis has been placed on developing a conscious, compassionate attitude towards the cultural complexity the epidemic has activated in China, which has therapeutic aspects based on the traditional wisdom of Chinese culture. Contemporary Ci-bei (compassion) therapy has added to these the contemporary Jungian emphasis upon playing, active imagination in the form of art making and authentic movement, and attention to the feelings of the inner child. With people facing a pandemic and its many problems, the use of Chinese myths and legends that involve facing collective challenges with resilient ingenuity is also helpful. They can be retold to contemporary people caught between fear of isolation and fear of contagion in such a way as to awaken the archetypal energy of the individual self that is needed to reconcile these opposites. In applying these Jungian techniques and concepts, we have been able to witness their power even in relatively shortterm crisis intervention, to foster transformation of attitudes and healing in populations facing cultural stress who would not have imagined that consulting a Jungian practitioner could be so helpful.

Shaping Diets for Gut Health: Understanding the Microbial Influence

The human gut is home to trillions of microorganisms that constitute a dynamic ecology involved in both health and disease. Although the makeup of the gut microbiota varies from person to person and is often stable over the course of a lifetime, numerous researches have noted daily variations [1]. One important modifiable factor that affects the composition of the gut microbiota is diet. It becomes clear that microbial diversity, composition, and stability can be controlled through therapeutic dietary approaches. A diverse and abundant microbial ecosystem boosts immunological responses, increases mental well-being, and maintains proper metabolic balance. The Western diet that is characterized by the high intake of artificially processed food and low fiber content has been associated with the exponential decrease in microbial diversity and consequent health issues including gastrointestinal disorders, inflammation and metabolic disturbances [2]. Contrary to it, diverse diet which includes all types of natural sources, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grain, nuts seeds and legumes has been proved to introduce an array of nutrients and fibers fueling our gut microbiota. For instance, dietary fiber aid in the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria in the gut. Moreover, polyphenols and antioxidants present in various plant-based foods exhibit pre-biotic effects, and maintain the gut environment favorable for the proliferation of microbiota [3]. This diverse intake provides a spectrum of substrates that are essential for the bacterial metabolism and also contribute in the growth of diverse range of beneficial bacteria. This dietary diversity not just includes the variety of foods but also involves mindful choices, balanced combination and understand the association of diet and microbiota. In addition, other lifestyle factors also influence over the microbial environment. Chronic stress, irregular sleep patterns and sedentary habits impact the activity and growth of the microbial diversity. It is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ concept and personalized nutrition strategies are required depending upon the individual variations in microbial composition. Future research should incorporate long-term dietary assessments with short-term diet interventions to improve the findings of diet-microbiome relationship. Interdisciplinary collaborations are significant to navigate the complex relationships encompassing the knowledge from different disciplines such as microbiology, nutrition, behavioral and clinical sciences, allowing us to pave the way for dietary recommendations that prioritize gut health and overall well-being.

코로나-19 이후 청소년의 외상 후 성장을 위한 Flash Technique의 집단 개입의 효과

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of a group intervention using the Flash Technique (FT), an evidence-based treatment that has proven to be effective as a short-term intervention for youth trauma after the COVID-19 pandemic. The FT group program targeted 161 6th grade elementary school students about to graduate from B Elementary School in Region C, and was conducted a total of 3 to 4 times for 15 minutes each, depending on class characteristics. To verify the effectiveness of FT, students' SUD (Subjective Unit of Disturbance) was checked four times in each session using FT, and the data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and repeated-effects ANOVA. As a result of this study, it was confirmed that SUD was reduced even when FT was used only once as a group intervention, and SUD was confirmed to decrease more rapidly when FT was used 3 to 4 times. It has been also confirmed that feeder memory, such as counting, does not reduce SUD scores, and FT must be performed at least 5 to 6 times per session to be effective. Research results show that grouping adolescents according to the type of trauma and the contents of their feeder memories and using PEF, which allows them to focus, can be effective with just one intervention.

“Light through Life”– an inter-disciplinary long-term integrated health promotion programme for overweight and obese people

Introduction/Background: In 2019, around half of the Austrian adult population was overweight or obese, and this has only worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. While research is clear that sustainable weight loss needs a long-term and holistic approach to support lifestyle changes and address the underlying causes of overweight and obesity, most weight loss programmes offer only short-term and single intervention solutions, with a focus on either raising physical activity or changing nutritional habits. To raise the potential for success and translate research into practice, the Austrian Social Insurance Fund for Public Service, Railway and Mining Industries developed “Light through Life”, a long-term integrated health promotion programme, which started in January 2022.&#x0D; Who is it for? The programme was developed by an interdisciplinary team of the social insurance fund and is offered to their adult insurees, who are overweight or obese. They can register themselves, be transferred by their GP or continue after other health promotion and rehabilitation programmes offered by the social insurance fund. The programme itself consists of three phases, which are designed to progressively enable participants to not only manage their weight, but self-sufficiently design their own healthy lifestyle. Regular monitoring, participant feedback and an independent evaluation ensure that a continuous improvement process takes into account the needs of the participants and adjust the programme accordingly.&#x0D; What did you do? “Light through Life” aims to strengthen health literacy and self-management skills of the participants by focussing on four themes: clinical aspects, physical activity, nutrition, and mental health. In addition they receive ongoing support through prevention coordinators. The first phase is a 6-months intensive basic programme, which combines face to face lectures with practical classes covering the four topics. The focus is on creating an understanding of what influences their health and thus their weight and how to manage it differently. The participants learn in groups to create a community of practice. The programme encourages participants to set their own goals and monitor them. In the second phase, the year- long “Pro” programme the support offered changes to coaching and more person-focussed training. In this phase, participants should be able to manage themselves, with thematic workshops and trainings reinforcing the learned content or addressing specific needs. Participation throughout the programme is voluntary.&#x0D; What results did you get? What impact did you have? The programme was introduced with an independent evaluation in place. The evaluation uses a mixed methods approach, analysing both process and outcome measures for participants and professionals. The comprehensive quantitative data collected through regular clinical examinations and an extensive lifestyle questionnaire will enable a better understanding of which elements work and which need improvement. A first, preliminary analysis of the baseline data and after 6 months shows weight and waist circumference reductions in all groups safe obese men (above BMI of 36). More detailed analyses also including mental health and e.g. the urban-rural divide will be available for the conference.&#x0D; With a comprehensive analysis of the first year of the programme, recommendations will be formulated.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

"Reablement in Flanders: An exploration of the Flemish context.&amp;nbsp;Understanding stakeholders' perspectives."

Background: The primary care sector in Flanders, Belgium, is undergoing an intense period of reform. To incorporate health, well-being and quality of life, care is shifting from acute disease-oriented care to chronic integrated care. There is a need to reform primary care services more directed to community-based service, targeting person-centered care and self-management of people who receive home care and their systems.&#x0D; Reablement is an approach or service model that can be described as a multidisciplinary short term intervention aimed at maintaining and optimizing functional ability and independence of people who receive home care and to promote participation in the local community. The effectiveness of reablement has been researched to a gold standard in different countries worldwide. Results show cost savings, reduced readmission to hospital and to nursing homes as well as increased satisfaction for the professionals and for the people receiving home care. &#x0D; Aim: The purpose of this study is to understand the stakeholder’s perspective on factors that might contribute to a successful and sustainable implementation of reablement in Flanders and factors seen as challenges to deploy this service. By understanding these perspectives, inferences can be made as to whether reablement in Flanders is desirable and feasible.&#x0D; Methods: To perform a context analysis, five focus group interviews were conducted with 35 stakeholders in primary care: patient associations, professional caregivers, health insurance funds, researchers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers and managers. The focus group interviews were transcribed and an hermeneutical analysis was conducted.&#x0D; Results: The analysis resulted in two main themes: facilitators and challenges for the implementation of reablement in Flanders.&#x0D; Facilitators are: the conviction that multidisciplinary collaboration will be more effective, shared decision making and planning will be encouraged, self management, person centered care, goal oriented and context oriented care will be optimized, continuity of integrated healthcare will be facilitated and the experience of informal caregivers will be better incorporated.&#x0D; Challenges are: lack of a clear definition of reablement in Dutch, people must be intrinsically motivated, the service must be financially and organizationally accessible to all, this approach requires a mindset shift of the healthcare professional, an efficient common communication system is essential and consultation must be financially supported for each person and healthcare professional involved in the service.&#x0D; &#x0D; In general, the goal and the added value of reablement were recognized by everyone as self-evident, but implementation of this service in the current healthcare system in Flanders requires an organizational shift from a supply driven to a demand driven care, a framework for multidisciplinary integrated cooperation and financial support, and sufficient time for both the people who receive home care and the health care professionals. &#x0D; This is the first study involving stakeholders in primary care in Flanders looking at the chances for reablement. Working with primary care providers we now aim to conduct Reable-Labs in different primary care settings in order to provide real life examples and experiences of reablement and its outcomes in the Flemish sector.

Targeting the tissue factor coagulation initiation complex prevents antiphospholipid antibody development

AbstractAntiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) in primary or secondary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) are a major cause for acquired thrombophilia, but specific interventions preventing autoimmune aPL development are an unmet clinical need. Although autoimmune aPL cross react with various coagulation regulatory proteins, lipid-reactive aPL, including those derived from patients with COVID-19, recognize the endolysosomal phospholipid lysobisphosphatidic acid presented by the cell surface–expressed endothelial protein C receptor. This specific recognition leads to complement-mediated activation of tissue factor (TF)–dependent proinflammatory signaling and thrombosis. Here, we show that specific inhibition of the TF coagulation initiation complex with nematode anticoagulant protein c2 (NAPc2) prevents the prothrombotic effects of aPL derived from patients with COVID-19 in mice and the aPL–induced proinflammatory and prothrombotic activation of monocytes. The induction of experimental APS is dependent on the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase complex, and NAPc2 suppresses monocyte endosomal reactive oxygen species production requiring the TF cytoplasmic domain and interferon-α secretion from dendritic cells. Latent infection with murine cytomegalovirus causes TF cytoplasmic domain–dependent development of persistent aPL and circulating phospholipid-reactive B1 cells, which is prevented by short-term intervention with NAPc2 during acute viral infection. In addition, treatment of lupus prone MRL-lpr mice with NAPc2, but not with heparin, suppresses dendritic-cell activation in the spleen, aPL production and circulating phospholipid-reactive B1 cells, and attenuates lupus pathology. These data demonstrate a convergent TF-dependent mechanism of aPL development in latent viral infection and autoimmune disease and provide initial evidence that specific targeting of the TF initiation complex has therapeutic benefits beyond currently used clinical anticoagulant strategies.

Government interventions in the financial literacy of the law-enforcers

Financial literacy (FL) is a crucial skill set that police officers must possess, particularly in managing their funds during their tenure in the police force and as they approach retirement from their service. The extent of an individual's FL will directly impact the extent of their financial planning knowledge and budgeting abilities required as a police officer, commencing from the initial stages of their career. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the level of FL within the police force, with a particular emphasis on the factors of financial knowledge, attitude, and behaviour. The study employed a simple random sampling technique to gather data from a sample of 68 law enforcement employees stationed in Vosman and Klipfointein. The data was acquired through survey questionnaires. The data were descriptively analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The results of the study suggest that police officers often possess low to moderate levels of FL. However, there is a positive correlation observed between the variables under investigation. The recommendation proposes that the government should implement ongoing training and short-term interventions focused on FL, with a particular emphasis on tailoring these initiatives to individuals' income levels and lifestyles. This study utilized intervention and transformational learning theory to support law enforcement professionals in enhancing their financial planning both prior to and following their employment, by means of financial education.

SHORT-TERM MUSIC TRAINING ENHANCES INHIBITION IN AGING

Abstract Music training was shown to benefit inhibition in adults; however, little is known about the benefits of specific types of music training and the dosages necessary to demonstrate gains in older adults. Based on the ADAM model, professional musicians use predictive temporal extrapolation to anticipate and perform coordinated bimanual movements. We applied this model to beginning adult musicians by isolating the effects of bimanual coordination when compared with non-motor standardized music interventions. We evaluated the effects of two standardized music programs (piano training, music listening instruction) on inhibition in novice adults after four-week intervals. Older adults (N=18) were recruited and randomly assigned to a manualized piano program (Keys to Staying Sharp) or music listening instruction (Music Listening Today, standard protocol). Participants completed a battery of standardized measures including measures of inhibition (Flanker, Cued Color Word Stroop) at pretesting and at each of the three follow-up intervals: 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks. Results of a Repeated Measures Group X Time ANOVA for the first four months of training showed reduced error rates, F(1, 14)=6.48, p=.023, and faster reaction times, F(1, 14) =5.27, p=.038 for piano training as compared to music listening instruction. Increased differences were prominent after eight-weeks of training for the piano group as compared to music listening. Data suggests that music training interventions while manualized are not created equal. Benefits from complex music performance are evident after short-term manualized music interventions. Short-term bimanual music interventions may increase cognitive performance beyond music listening instruction due to cognitive load.

A DIGITAL INTERVENTION TO PROMOTE EFFECTIVE COPING DURING CRISIS AND ROUTINE AMONG OLDER ADULTS

Abstract Introduction We developed and evaluated a short-term group intervention aimed at promoting effective coping and alleviating adverse mental health impacts during the first wave of COVID-19 in Israel. The intervention consists of seven sessions, each including: a guided group discussion, and learning and practicing cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness techniques. Methods In this pilot randomized controlled trial, we recruited eighty-two community-dwelling older adults who were assigned to either an intervention group (n=64) or a wait-list control group (n=18). Participants completed questionnaires assessing depression, loneliness, subjective health, and social support. We collected measurements before (T0), immediately after participation (T1), 4 weeks after participation (T2), and 1.5 years after participation in the intervention (T3). Results Our findings revealed statistically and clinically significant reductions in depression in the intervention group, with results maintained at one-month and 1.5-year follow-ups. While loneliness levels also significantly decreased post-intervention, this benefit was not maintained at follow-up measurements. Social support and subjective health did not change significantly. The wait-list control group did not show any overall changes. Participants reported frequently using cognitive reconstruction and positive self-talk techniques at the 1.5-year follow-up. The current degree of technique use/practice significantly predicted depression level at T3. Conclusions Our intervention presents a simple and easy-to-implement tool with broad relevance beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, as the skills acquired also positively influence mental health outcomes during routine life. This relatively simple model can be effectively utilized by communities globally to help connect lonely and isolated older inhabitants and promote effective coping with various stressful situations.

Narrowing the Patient-Physician Gap Based on Self-Reporting and Monthly Hepatologist Feedback for Patients With Alcohol-Related Liver Disease: Interventional Pilot Study Using a Journaling Smartphone App.

Screening and intervention for alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are recommended to improve the prognosis of patients with alcohol-related liver disease (ALD). Most patients' smartphone app diaries record drinking behavior for self-monitoring. A smartphone app can be expected to also be helpful for physicians because it can provide rich patient information to hepatologists, leading to suitable feedback. We conducted this prospective pilot study to assess the use of a smartphone app as a journaling tool and as a self-report-based feedback source for patients with ALD. The aims of this study were assessment of whether journaling (self-report) and self-report-based feedback can help patients maintain abstinence and improve liver function data. This pilot study used a newly developed smartphone journaling app for patients, with input data that physicians can review. After patients with ALD were screened for harmful alcohol use, some were invited to use the smartphone journaling app for 8 weeks. Their self-reported alcohol intake, symptoms, and laboratory data were recorded at entry, week 4, and week 8. Biomarkers for alcohol use included gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), percentage of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin to transferrin (%CDT), and GGT-CDT (GGT-CDT= 0.8 × ln[GGT] + 1.3 × ln[%CDT]). At each visit, their recorded data were reviewed by a hepatologist to evaluate changes in alcohol consumption and laboratory data. The relation between those outcomes and app usage was also investigated. Of 14 patients agreeing to participate, 10 completed an 8-week follow-up, with diary input rates between 44% and 100% of the expected days. Of the 14 patients, 2 withdrew from clinical follow-up, and 2 additional patients never used the smartphone journaling app. Using the physician's view, a treating hepatologist gave feedback via comments to patients at each visit. Mean self-reported alcohol consumption dropped from baseline (100, SD 70 g) to week 4 (13, SD 25 g; P=.002) and remained lower at week 8 (13, SD 23 g; P=.007). During the study, 5 patients reported complete abstinence. No significant changes were found in mean GGT and mean %CDT alone, but the mean GGT-CDT combination dropped significantly from entry (5.2, SD 1.2) to the week 4 visit (4.8, SD 1.1; P=.02) and at week 8 (4.8, SD 1.0; P=.01). During the study period, decreases in mean total bilirubin (3.0, SD 2.4 mg/dL to 2.4, SD 1.9 mg/dL; P=.01) and increases in mean serum albumin (3.0, SD 0.9 g/dL to 3.3, SD 0.8 g/dL; P=.009) were recorded. These pilot study findings revealed that a short-term intervention with a smartphone journaling app used by both patients and treatment-administering hepatologists was associated with reduced drinking and improved liver function. UMIN CTR UMIN000045285; http://tinyurl.com/yvvk38tj.

Psychosocial interventions for suicidal and self-injurious-related behaviors among adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis of Chinese practices.

Suicidal and self-injurious-related behaviors (SSIRBs) are a serious public health challenge in China. However, a comprehensive systematic review of psychosocial interventions for SSIRBs among Chinese adolescents has not been performed. To fill this gap, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine psychosocial interventions for SSIRBs among Chinese adolescents. Eight international (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, Clinical Trial, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Web of Science) and four Chinese (Wanfang, SinoMed, CEPS, and CNKI) databases were searched from inception to 31 January 2023. Data extraction and quality assessment were independently conducted by two groups of researchers. Qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis were both used. The initial search yielded 16,872 titles. Of the 649 full texts reviewed, 19 intervention articles focusing on SSIRBs met the inclusion criteria. Thirteen out of the 19 included studies involved cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Seven non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) studies assessing self-injurious behaviors were included (six short-term studies and three long-term studies). Compared with long-term interventions [-1.30 (95% CI: -1.84, -0.76)], short-term psychosocial interventions had a higher standardized mean difference (SMD) value [1.86 (95% CI: -2.72, -0.99)]. Meta-regression showed an inverse relationship between the treatment response and sample size (slope = 0.068, Z = 2.914, p = 0.004) and proportion of females (slope = 1.096, Z = 5.848, p < 0.001). Subgroup analyses showed that compared with the "less than 1 month" group [-0.494 (-0.783, -0.205)], in the "immediate postintervention" group, the pooled estimate was significantly lower [-2.800 (-4.050, -1.550), p < 0.001]. Our review systematically summarized the key characteristics and effectiveness of existing psychosocial interventions for SSIRBs among Chinese adolescents. Short-term psychosocial interventions for NSSI were significantly effective in reducing self-injurious behavior scores, especially in the immediate postintervention period. More favorable treatment responses could be observed in both male and small samples.

Parental Involvement in Improving Social and Communication Skills in Children with Developmental delays: A Short Term Intervention Analysis

Parental Involvement in Improving Social and Communication Skills in Children with Developmental delays: A Short Term Intervention Analysis

취학계층 아동의 기초학력 증진을 위한 교육 중재 프로그램 참여효과 연구

Objectives This study aimed to analyze the variations in the impact of an educational intervention program de-signed to enhance basic academic skills among vulnerable elementary school students. The analysis considered factors such as weekly participation frequency and grade. The primary goal was to gather evidence for assessing performance and enhancing the program, ultimately improving participation outcomes.&#x0D; Methods Using the BASA test results (reading, writing, and mathematics) of 173 elementary school students who participated in the basic academic intervention program at the City Dream Start Center A in Gyeonggi Province from 2016 to 2022, we conducted a pre-post test difference analysis (t-test), a covariance analysis based on weekly participation frequency (1 and 2 sessions), and Analysis of Covariance(ANCOVA) based on grade level (1st-2nd grade, 3rd-4th grade, and 5th-6th grade).&#x0D; Results Children who participated in the basic academic intervention program showed the following results: Firstly, based on weekly participation frequency, higher effects were observed in reading and mathematics when participating twice a week compared to participating once a week. Secondly, based on grade level, reading showed higher effects in 3rd-4th, and 5th- 6th grades compared to 1st-2nd grades, while mathematics showed higher effects in 1st-2nd grades compared to 3rd-4th grades. However, there were no significant differences in writing based on participation frequency and grade level.&#x0D; Conclusions According to these findings, educational intervention programs conducted on a one-on-one basis for vulnerable elementary students need to consider individualized tailored lessons. Therefore, it is necessary to differentiate between short-term intensive interventions and long-term systematic interventions, considering the students' weak subjects and grade levels. Also, the development of diagnostic methods and the restructuring of the curriculum are required to enhance participation outcomes.

Counterproductive evolution: the long-term effects of short-term interventionism following the Great Financial Crisis

Following the 2008 financial crisis, policymakers in advanced economies employed unconventional economic interventions that were meant to be short-term but continued for more than a decade and were followed by unconventional interventions in non-financial markets. What causal mechanisms connect short-term unconventional interventions with long-term policy change? By developing a constructivist-evolutionary framework, we suggest that employing unconventional policy ideas for the sake of securing the pre-crisis growth regime, in a volatile economic environment, has repeatedly failed policymakers’ expectations. The gap between expectations and outcomes expanded the policy space for unconventional policy ideas, and activated an evolutionary process, through which expanding ‘temporary’ interventions have been adopted in additional areas, became hard to reverse and modified macroeconomic priorities. A comparative process-tracing analysis of two case studies – the UK and Israel – demonstrates how short-term employment of innovative policy ideas and long-term change in economic policy are tightly connected via causal ideational evolutionary mechanisms.

Ukumela impilo randomised trial: preliminary findings of height-adjustable sit-to-stand workstations on health outcomes of South African office workers

BackgroundThe prevalence of sedentary behaviour has concurrently risen with multiple cardiometabolic risk markers independent of physical activity levels. Office-based workers accumulate the highest levels of sitting time during occupational times. This study aims to investigate the short-term effects of using height-adjustable sit-to-stand workstations on cardiometabolic risk markers of office-based workers in South Africa.ResultsSixty-two office-based workers were randomized into intervention (n = 44), and the control group (n = 18). Small improvements were observed in BMI, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels in this cohort.ConclusionThis preliminary investigation confirms that short-term height-adjustable sit-stand interventions are effective in reducing workplace sitting time and selected health outcomes. South Africa has been attributed with the highest burden of obesity in Sub-Saharan Africa, as a result, there is a need to implement long-term workplace intervention to reverse these implications.Trial registrationPan African Clinical Trial Registry, PACTR201911656014962 on the 12th of November 2019.

Oral language interventions can improve language outcomes in children with neurodevelopmental disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Young people who fail to develop language as expected face significant challenges in all aspects of life. Unfortunately, language disorders are common, either as a distinct condition (e.g., Developmental Language Disorder) or as a part of another neurodevelopmental condition (e.g., autism). Finding ways to attenuate language problems through intervention has the potential to yield great benefits not only for the individual but also for society as a whole. This meta-analytic review examined the effect of oral language interventions for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. The last electronic search was conducted in April 2022. Intervention studies had to target language skills for children from 2 to 18 years of age with Developmental Language Disorder, autism, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome, and Williams syndrome in randomised controlled trials or quasi-experimental designs. Control groups had to include business-as-usual, waiting list, passive or active conditions. However, we excluded studies in which the active control group received a different type, delivery, or dosage of another language intervention. Eligible interventions implemented explicit and structured activities (i.e., explicit instruction of vocabulary, narrative structure or grammatical rules) and/or implicit and broad activities (i.e., shared book reading, general language stimulation). The intervention studies had to assess language skills in receptive and/or expressive modalities. The search provided 8195 records after deduplication. Records were screened by title and abstract, leading to full-text examinations of 448 records. We performed Correlated and Hierarchical Effects models and ran a retrospective power analysis via simulation. Publication bias was assessed via p-curve and precision-effect estimate. We examined 38 studies, with 46 group comparisons and 108 effects comparing pre-/post-tests and eight studies, with 12 group comparisons and 21 effects at follow-up. The results showed a mean effect size of d = 0.27 at the post-test and d = 0.18 at follow-up. However, there was evidence of publication bias and overestimation of the mean effects. Effects from the meta-analysis were significantly related to these elements: (1) receptive vocabulary and omnibus receptive measures showed smaller effect sizes relative to expressive vocabulary, grammar, expressive and receptive discourse, and omnibus expressive tests; and (2) the length of the intervention, where longer sessions conducted over a longer period of time were more beneficial than brief sessions and short-term interventions. Neither moderators concerning participants' characteristics (children's diagnosis, diagnostic status, age, sex, and non-verbal cognitive ability and severity of language impairment), nor those regarding of the treatment components and implementation of the language interventions (intervention content, setting, delivery agent, session structure of the intervention or total number of sessions) reached significance. The same occurred to indicators of study quality. The risk of bias assessment showed that reporting quality for the studies examined in the review was poor. In sum, the current evidence base is promising but inconclusive. Pre-registration and replication of more robust and adequately powered trials, which include a wider range of diagnostic conditions, together with more long-term follow-up comparisons, are needed to drive evidence-based practice and policy.

Analysis of the Efficacy of Diet and Short-Term Probiotic Intervention on Depressive Symptoms in Patients after Bariatric Surgery: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo Controlled Pilot Study

Analysis of the Efficacy of Diet and Short-Term Probiotic Intervention on Depressive Symptoms in Patients after Bariatric Surgery: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo Controlled Pilot Study